You may also be interested in the following articles...

Malaysia’s Malindo Air is poised to have a momentous year in 2017, with more rapid expansion and a highly anticipated rebranding. Malindo plans to adopt the Batik Malaysia brand in early 2017, positioning it alongside Indonesia-based Batik Air as the two full service airlines in the Lion Group.

Malindo has been one of Asia’s fastest-growing airlines since it launched services in Mar-2013. It recently reached the 40-aircraft milestone, after adding an astonishing 13 aircraft in just six months. Malindo plans to end 2016 with a fleet of 42 and take at least 10 additional aircraft in 2017.

The focus in 2017 will mainly be on adding capacity to existing destinations, improving connectivity as it looks to drive more transit and interline traffic. However new routes to Australia, China and Saudi Arabia are planned in early 2017, followed by potential new routes to Japan, Korea and Pakistan later in the year – leveraging the improved range of the 737 MAX.

Malaysia Airlines is considering placing an order for 25 A330neos or 787s in 2017. The order includes 15 replacements for its existing A330ceo fleet and also 10 growth aircraft – which will be used to pursue expansion opportunities in North Asia and potentially support a resumption of services to continental Europe.

Malaysia Airlines is also considering adjustments to its narrowbody fleet plan. A slight reduction in the size of its 737-800 fleet is likely as utilisation improvements have meant that the airline needs fewer aircraft. A portion of the remaining fleet will be reconfigured, with some 737s receiving new business class seats and some 737s potentially becoming all-economy aircraft.

The group is also assessing the possible addition of 737s at the regional subsidiary MASwings to support expansion on international routes from east Malaysia. MASwings currently only operates turboprops.